The capital of Poland is not only the Old Town, numerous parks, and monuments. Are you wondering "what to do in Warsaw," "what to see in Warsaw," or "what is interesting in Warsaw," but can't find the answers? Here is a a selection of places in Warsaw and its surroundings that are not usually mentioned in guidebooks.
The narrowest house in the world
Of course, the category "most" is always very controversial, but nevertheless, Keret's house is certainly the narrowest in Poland. In fact, it is an insert between two other houses.
The building not only breaks records, but also deserves the proud title of an art installation with a special meaning: a reflection of different historical periods of Warsaw. It is a symbol of reconciliation with the past and mending wounds. The house is named after Israeli writer Etgar Keret, whose parents survived the Holocaust.
Rooftop garden
Despite its location in the city center, not everyone knows about it, which is a shame. Climb up to the roof of the Warsaw University library, and you will find yourself in a unique mini-park with a greenhouse.
Plus, it offers a wonderful view of the city and all the main attractions. With its glass floor, dozens of plants and flowers, and small ponds, it is an extraordinarily inspiring place.
Cafe with cats
Yes, it's hard to surprise anyone with a cat cafe these days, but still — it's such a cute place that it's worth mentioning anyway. Miau Cafe is an atmospheric establishment where you can grab a bite to eat, relax, and pet cats to your heart's content. They are very tactile and eager to interact.
The café opened in 2016. Donations for its creation were collected on social media. People donated more than €15,000, including the owners' contribution — a strong argument for the thesis that demand for cats will never decline.
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“Dollhouse”
In the city center, at Hożej 70, there is a charming little house that is over 100 years old. The house survived even the war unscathed. It is not visible from the street due to the high-rise buildings, so you have to enter from the inner courtyard. It used to be a chemical factory where wool was dyed. Then it was a women's labor cooperative, and now it is a law firm. Its employees usually let people in to take pictures, as the gate to the courtyard may be closed during non-working hours.
Mammoth bone
It is not the bone itself that is surprising, but its location. And this is by no means a museum, but St. Anne's Church in Vilano. You are unlikely to have seen such a decoration anywhere else in a church. The mammoth remains were discovered during the laying of the foundation in 1770, and since then the bone has been an integral part of the church.
Modlin Fortress
There is also a lot of interesting stuff outside the city limits if you have at least a few hours, or better yet, a couple of days to explore the surrounding area. Many people are familiar with Modlin Airport, but unfortunately, not so many know about the fortress of the same name. Yet it is one of the longest fortresses in Europe (the outer ring is 50 kilometers long) and is still in fairly good condition. It is believed that Napoleon designed the building, but in the 19th century, the complex was rebuilt by the Russian tsar. The fortress is located less than 30 kilometers from Warsaw.
Admission is free, but you can book a guided tour. You can walk anywhere; there are no restricted areas, no matter how high you climb. The area around the fortress is very picturesque, as it was built at the confluence of two rivers. There is a forest nearby and many benches — it's a great place to recover from the noise of the city, spend time alone with yourself and nature, and, of course, explore a new attraction.
Radzeiovice village
A little further from the capital is the charming village of Radziejowice. It is located 42 kilometers away. The village is famous for its palace and park complex. The palace is built in the classical style with a touch of neo-Gothic. The grounds feature an atmospheric park, a small pond, an old church with a bell tower, a manor house, and a replica of an ancient mill — a very good reconstruction. It is a wonderful place for a picnic, relaxation for the whole family, and taking great photos as a souvenir.
Warsaw's abandoned buildings
Warsaw is a city with a rich history, and among its modern buildings, you can find many abandoned places that attract the attention of researchers and lovers of "abandoned places." Here are some of them:
- Abandoned factory in the Prague district: This district is famous for its unique atmosphere, and the abandoned factories and workshops here create a special impression. Many of these buildings were constructed during the industrialization period and are now in a state of disrepair.
- Old Babice Airport: This airport, which was used before the opening of the new Chopin Airport, has been abandoned and is overgrown with vegetation. However, the buildings and runways still hold memories of past journeys.
- Industrial sites on Pruska Street: This area is home to abandoned factories and warehouses that reflect Warsaw's industrial history. Some of these places attract the attention of street artists and become open-air art galleries.
- St. Stanislaus Church: Although not completely abandoned, this building is in need of repair and maintenance. The neo-Gothic building is an interesting destination for those who appreciate architecture.
- Abandoned cemeteries and crypts: There are several disused cemeteries in Warsaw, steeped in history and mystery, which attract history buffs and lovers of the mystical.
Warsaw's abandoned places are not only architectural objects, but also important historical monuments that tell the story of the city's past and its inhabitants. Exploring such places helps to better understand the cultural heritage and changes that have taken place in the city over the centuries. However, it is important to remember the rules of safety and respect when visiting such sites.
What to see in Warsaw with children?
Warsaw offers many interesting and lesser-known places for families with children to visit. Here are some of them:
- Copernicus Science Center — although it is quite a popular place, many people are unaware that it has many interactive exhibitions and laboratories that will captivate children and help them learn more about science through games and experiments.
- The Polish Army Museum is an interesting place for history buffs. Exhibits dedicated to military technology and history may attract the attention of children.
- Fort Bemovo is a historic fort where you can spend time outdoors and learn about the country's military history. It features not only interesting structures but also sports grounds.
- Dream Park is a small amusement park that is ideal for children. There are many different playgrounds and attractions.
- A sweet journey — small confectioneries or bakeries where you can try local sweets, often not attracting large crowds of tourists.
- The clearing in Lazienki Park —various events and master classes for children are held here, and you can also watch squirrels and various birds.
Sometimes, to see something off the beaten track, all you need to do is turn off your GPS and take the nearest turn. After all, every courtyard in a big city can surprise you with something. Somewhere it might be an impressive mural, somewhere else it might be soccer shoes on a tree — I didn't include them in this selection, but if you liked the material, write in the comments — and there will be a sequel.
